Profile
soybeanGlycine max
The soybean (Glycine max) is an annual plant from the legume family, cultivated worldwide for its protein-rich seeds. It requires a long, warm growing season and prefers sunny locations with well-draining soil. Soybeans are nitrogen-fixing, thus improving soil quality. Harvest occurs in autumn when the pods are dry. The seeds are versatile after thorough processing but are indigestible raw.

Quick profile
Key data
Harvest
September - October
Water
medium
Growing data
soybean Growing data
Seed depth
2 - 3 cm
Plant spacing
10 - 15 cm
Row spacing
40 - 60 cm
Germination temp
10 - 25 °C
Sowing and germination
Planting and spacing
Temperature and site
Water, nutrients and care
Container, support and growth
Year plan
soybean Calendar
Indoor sowing
No indoor sowing recommended.
Direct sowing
Sow only after the last frosts and when the soil has warmed sufficiently.
Planting
Direct sowing is preferred.
Harvest
Harvest when pods are dry and beans are hard.
Year plan
- Sow soybeans
- Continue sowing or care for young plants
- Pest and disease control
- Ensure adequate watering
- Begin harvest
- Continue harvest
Growing
soybean Site, soil and care
Spacing
10 - 15 cm
Storage
Dried soybeans can be stored well.
Soybeans require a long, warm growing season and are frost-sensitive. Sow only after the last frosts and when the soil has reached at least 10°C. Ensure adequate plant spacing for good air circulation. Regular, but not excessive, watering is important, especially during flowering and pod development. Avoid waterlogging. As a legume, soy needs little nitrogen but benefits from phosphorus and potassium. Harvest when pods are dry and beans are hard. Raw seeds are indigestible and must be cooked or processed.
Pruning
soybean Pruning
not_applicable
Goal
not_applicable
Tools and hygiene
Not applicable for annual herbaceous plants.
Companion guide
soybean Companion guide
Health
Pests, Diseases
Pests
Soybean aphid
Small, green to yellowish aphids that colonize the underside of leaves and young shoots, sucking plant sap.
Spider mites
Tiny arachnids that form fine webs on leaves and suck plant sap. They prefer dry, warm conditions.
Bean seed beetle
Small beetles whose larvae infest the seeds within the pods. Adult beetles may also feed on leaves and flowers.
Diseases
Soybean rust
A fungus that causes leaf spots, leading to premature defoliation. It favors humid conditions and warm temperatures.
Downy mildew
A fungus that causes yellowish spots on the upper leaf surface and a gray to purplish mold growth on the underside. Humid conditions favor its spread.
Bacterial blight
A bacterial disease causing small, angular, dark brown to black spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo. Can also affect stems and pods.
Deficiencies
Molybdenum deficiency
Molybdenum is essential for nitrogen fixation by root nodule bacteria. Deficiency leads to poor nitrogen supply to the plant.
Phosphorus deficiency
Phosphorus is important for energy transfer, root development, and flowering. Deficiency slows growth and impairs yield formation.
Plant health
FAQ
When is the best time to sow soybeans?
Sowing should only occur after the last frosts, when the soil temperature is consistently at least 10°C. This is typically from mid-May through June.
Can soybeans be grown in pots?
Soybeans are generally not well-suited for container growing, as they develop a deep root system and require a certain amount of space. For home use, other legumes like bush beans are better suited.
Why are my soybean leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can be due to several causes: nitrogen deficiency (if nodulation is poor), waterlogging, overly acidic soil, or diseases like soybean rust. A soil test or closer examination of the plant can help determine the cause.
Are raw soybeans edible?
No, raw soybeans are not edible and can be harmful to health, as they contain trypsin inhibitors and other anti-nutrients. They must be cooked, roasted, or fermented before consumption to break down these substances.
Related plants
Internal links
Related plants
Sources
Public sources
- Wikidata entity
Wikidata · 2026-05-15
- GBIF species match
GBIF · 2026-05-15
- Trefle API species data
Trefle · 2026-05-15
- Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Sojabohne
Wikipedia · 2026-05-15
- English Wikipedia: Soybean
Wikipedia · 2026-05-15
Details
More public plant data
Names
Common
soybean
Plural
soybeans
Scientific synonyms
- Soja max
- Phaseolus max
- Phaseolus sordidus
Synonyms
- soya bean plant
- soybean plant
- soy bean plant
- soy plant
- soy
- soya
- soybeans
- Glycine max
Common synonyms
- soy bean
- soybean
- soya bean
Regional names
Historical names
Market names
- Soy
Misspellings
Search terms
- soybean
- soy
- Glycine max
Taxonomy
Clades
- Tracheophytes
- Angiosperms
- Eudicots
- Rosids
Family
legume family
Classification
Edible parts
- seeds
- beans
Calendar
Sowing indoor
Notes
No indoor sowing recommended.
Sowing outdoor
Months
- 5
- 6
Notes
Sow only after the last frosts and when the soil has warmed sufficiently.
Planting out
Notes
Direct sowing is preferred.
Harvest
Months
- 9
- 10
Notes
Harvest when pods are dry and beans are hard.
Month tasks
5
Sow soybeans
6
Continue sowing or care for young plants
7
Pest and disease control
8
Ensure adequate watering
9
Begin harvest
10
Continue harvest
Month tasks structured
5
- TaskSow seeds outdoors
Label
Sow soybeans
PriorityhighMonths
- 5
ConditionSoil temperature at least 10°C, no frost riskEstimated effortlowNotes
Sow into well-prepared soil.
6
- TaskContinue sowing or care for young plants
Label
Continue sowing or care for young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 6
ConditionOngoing growthEstimated effortlowNotes
Resow if needed or remove weeds.
7
- TaskPest and disease control
Label
Pest and disease control
PrioritymediumMonths
- 7
ConditionVisible signs of pests or diseasesEstimated effortlowNotes
Regularly check for signs of pests or diseases.
8
- TaskEnsure adequate watering
Label
Ensure adequate watering
PriorityhighMonths
- 8
ConditionDry weather, flowering or pod developmentEstimated effortmediumNotes
Especially important during flowering and pod development.
9
- TaskBegin harvest
Label
Begin harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 9
ConditionBeans are mature and pods are dryEstimated effortmediumNotes
Harvest ripe beans. Pods should be dry.
10
- TaskContinue harvest
Label
Continue harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 10
ConditionRemaining beans are matureEstimated effortmediumNotes
Harvest remaining beans. Allow to dry further in dry weather.
Book content
Overview
The soybean (Glycine max) is an annual plant from the legume family, cultivated worldwide for its protein-rich seeds. It requires a long, warm growing season and prefers sunny locations with well-draining soil. Soybeans are nitrogen-fixing, thus improving soil quality. Harvest occurs in autumn when the pods are dry. The seeds are versatile after thorough processing but are indigestible raw.
Structured month tasks
5
- TaskSow seeds outdoors
Label
Sow soybeans
PriorityhighMonths
- 5
ConditionSoil temperature at least 10°C, no frost riskEstimated effortlowNotes
Sow into well-prepared soil.
6
- TaskContinue sowing or care for young plants
Label
Continue sowing or care for young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 6
ConditionOngoing growthEstimated effortlowNotes
Resow if needed or remove weeds.
7
- TaskPest and disease control
Label
Pest and disease control
PrioritymediumMonths
- 7
ConditionVisible signs of pests or diseasesEstimated effortlowNotes
Regularly check for signs of pests or diseases.
8
- TaskEnsure adequate watering
Label
Ensure adequate watering
PriorityhighMonths
- 8
ConditionDry weather, flowering or pod developmentEstimated effortmediumNotes
Especially important during flowering and pod development.
9
- TaskBegin harvest
Label
Begin harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 9
ConditionBeans are mature and pods are dryEstimated effortmediumNotes
Harvest ripe beans. Pods should be dry.
10
- TaskContinue harvest
Label
Continue harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 10
ConditionRemaining beans are matureEstimated effortmediumNotes
Harvest remaining beans. Allow to dry further in dry weather.
Cultivation specs
Seed
Spacing
Spacing notes
Ensure adequate air circulation between plants.
Growth dimensions
Final size notes
Growth height varies significantly by variety.
Temperature
Temperature notes
Requires a long, warm growing season.
Water
Critical water phases
- flowering
- pod development
Water notes
Consistent moisture is important, avoid waterlogging.
Nutrition
Nutrition notes
As a legume, soy fixes nitrogen from the air. However, it requires sufficient phosphorus and potassium.
Container
Container notes
Soybeans are generally not well-suited for container growing.
Support
Support notes
Most varieties do not require support.
Cultivation modes
Yield density
Yield notes
Yields can vary greatly depending on variety, climate, and care.
Site
Location
Sunny to partially shaded
Notes
Prefers a warm, sheltered location.
Soil
Type
- loamy
- sandy loam
- humus-rich
Notes
Loose, well-draining, and nutrient-rich soil is ideal. Avoid waterlogging at all costs.
Watering
Frequency
Regularly, especially during dry spells
Method
Best at the root zone to prevent fungal diseases.
Notes
Promote consistent soil moisture, but avoid waterlogging.
Nutrition
Fertilizer type
- organic
- balanced
Application timing
Before sowing and during the growing season as needed
Notes
As a legume, soy requires little nitrogen but benefits from phosphorus and potassium. Compost is beneficial.
Cultivation planning
Succession sowing
Bed planning notes
Soybeans are good predecessors for many vegetable types.
Crop rotation
Notes
Soybeans are good predecessors for many vegetable types as they enrich the soil with nitrogen. Avoid planting legumes immediately after.
Bed planning notes
Soybeans are good predecessors for many vegetable types.
Deficiencies
Molybdenum deficiency
Name
Molybdenum deficiency
Description
Molybdenum is essential for nitrogen fixation by root nodule bacteria. Deficiency leads to poor nitrogen supply to the plant.
Symptoms
- Pale, yellowed leaves, especially younger ones
- Reduced nodulation on roots
- Stunted growth
Management
Organic
- Anwendung von Mo-haltigen Düngern (z.B. Natrium- oder Ammoniummolybdat) in sehr geringen Dosen.
- Boden-pH-Wert optimieren (Molybdän ist bei höherem pH-Wert besser verfügbar).
Conventional
- Anwendung von Mo-haltigen Blattdüngern oder Bodendüngern.
Prevention
- Soil analysis to determine molybdenum content.
- Cultivate on soils with sufficient molybdenum.
Notes
Molybdenum deficiency often occurs on very acidic soils.
Phosphorus deficiency
Name
Phosphorus deficiency
Description
Phosphorus is important for energy transfer, root development, and flowering. Deficiency slows growth and impairs yield formation.
Symptoms
- Dark green to bluish-green leaf coloration
- Purple discoloration of stems and petioles (especially in young plants)
- Reduced root development
- Slower growth
Management
Organic
- Anwendung von organischen Phosphatdüngern wie Knochenmehl oder Thomasschlacke.
- Bodenverbesserung mit Kompost.
Conventional
- Anwendung von Superphosphat oder anderen P-haltigen Mineraldüngern.
Prevention
- Soil analysis to determine phosphorus content.
- Ensure adequate phosphorus supply before sowing.
Notes
Phosphorus is often poorly available in the soil, especially in cool temperatures or at high pH.
Problems
Lodging
Name
Lodging
Description
The bending or falling over of plants due to wind, rain, or overly dense growth. This hinders harvesting and can lead to rot.
Causes
- Starke Winde
- Starke Regenfälle
- Hohe Stickstoffdüngung (fördert schnelles, schwaches Wachstum)
- Zu dichte Aussaat
- Sorten mit schwacher Standfestigkeit
Management
Organic
- Sortenwahl mit guter Standfestigkeit.
- Angepasste Stickstoffdüngung.
- Optimale Aussaatdichte.
- Anbau von Stützfrüchten oder Windschutz.
Conventional
- Einsatz von Wachstumsregulatoren (seltener bei Soja).
Prevention
- Choose a sheltered location.
- Avoid over-fertilization.
- Adhere to recommended sowing density.
Notes
Lodging is particularly problematic for varieties with long, thin stems.
Poor nodulation
Name
Poor nodulation
Description
Insufficient or absent formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots. This leads to nitrogen deficiency in the plant.
Causes
- Saurer Boden (pH < 5.5)
- Mangel an Molybdän oder Kobalt
- Hohe Konzentrationen von leicht verfügbarem Stickstoff im Boden
- Ungünstige Bodentemperaturen
- Fehlende oder inaktive Rhizobien-Stämme im Boden
Management
Organic
- Boden-pH-Wert korrigieren (Kalkung).
- Anwendung von Molybdän-haltigen Düngern.
- Impfung des Saatguts mit spezifischen Rhizobien-Stämmen, falls der Boden arm an diesen ist.
Conventional
- Anwendung von stickstoffhaltigen Düngern (als Notlösung, da dies die Knöllchenbildung weiter unterdrückt).
Prevention
- Perform soil analysis.
- Maintain soil pH in the optimal range (6.0-7.0).
- Inoculate seed if necessary.
Notes
Inoculation with rhizobia is particularly important in soils where legumes have never been grown or not for a long time.
Problem management
Common pest groups
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Beetle larvae
Common disease groups
- Fungal leaf diseases
- Bacterial leaf diseases
- Rust diseases
Prevention principles
- Variety selection: Prefer more resistant varieties.
- Crop rotation: Maintain at least a 2-3 year break for legumes.
- Site selection: Warm, sunny, and well-ventilated location.
- Soil care: Loose, well-draining soil with optimal pH (6.0-7.0).
- Plant health: Ensure adequate nutrient and water supply to strengthen plants.
- Field hygiene: Remove crop residues and weeds.
- Regular monitoring: Early detection of pests and diseases.
Diagnosis notes
Diagnosing problems in soybeans often requires careful examination of symptoms on leaves, stems, and roots. Consider environmental conditions and the field's cultivation history.
Disease graph
Profiles
- Slugsoybean_rustSeverityhigh
Conditions
- High humidity
- Warm temperatures
- Moist leaf surfaces
Affected parts
- Leaves
- Stems
Prevention
- Plant resistant varieties
- Good ventilation
- Field hygiene
- Avoid waterlogging
Organic control
- Remove infected material
- Copper-based fungicides (limited effectiveness)
- Slugdowny_mildewSeveritymedium
Conditions
- High humidity
- Cool, damp nights
- Prolonged leaf wetness
Affected parts
- Leaves
Prevention
- Plant resistant varieties
- Adequate spacing
- Good ventilation
- Avoid waterlogging
Organic control
- Remove infected material
- Plant extracts (e.g., garlic, neem)
- Slugbacterial_blightSeveritymedium
Conditions
- Wet weather
- Cool temperatures
- Leaf contact from rain or irrigation
Affected parts
- Leaves
- Stems
- Pods
Prevention
- Use certified seed
- Crop rotation
- Field hygiene
- Adequate spacing
Organic control
- Remove infected material
- Copper-based sprays (limited effectiveness)
Diagnostic rules
Symptom
Small, reddish-brown spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo, and pustules on the leaf underside.
Possible causes
- soybean_rust
First checks
- Check the underside of leaves for pustules.
- Note the weather conditions (humid, warm).
Symptom
Yellowish spots on the upper leaf surface and gray to purplish mold on the underside.
Possible causes
- downy_mildew
First checks
- Examine the leaf underside in humid weather.
- Look for signs of wilting.
Symptom
Small, angular, dark brown to black spots on leaves, often with a yellow border.
Possible causes
- bacterial_blight
First checks
- Check for angular spots limited by leaf veins.
- Note periods of wet, cool weather.
Prevention strategy
Cultural
- Choose disease-resistant varieties.
- Practice good crop rotation (at least a 2-3 year break for legumes).
- Ensure adequate spacing and good ventilation.
- Avoid waterlogging and keep leaves dry.
- Keep the field clean of crop residues and weeds.
Monitoring
- Monitor plants regularly for early signs of disease, especially during wet weather.
- Look for typical symptoms such as leaf spots, discoloration, or mold growth.
Organic first response
- Remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately.
- Apply organic fungicides (e.g., copper or sulfur-based) as needed, following instructions.
- Improve overall plant health through appropriate watering and nutrition.
Notes
Prevention is key to disease management in soybeans. A combination of resistant varieties, good cultivation practices, and careful monitoring is most effective.
Diagnosis
Approach
Start with a visual inspection of the affected plant parts. Look for specific symptoms such as spots, discoloration, pests, or growth abnormalities. Consider the plant's growth stage and current environmental conditions (temperature, humidity). Compare symptoms with known pests and diseases. If uncertain, a soil test or consultation with an expert may be helpful.
Common issues
Yellow leaves
Spots on leaves
Visible pests (e.g., aphids, spider mites)
Stunted growth
Missing or small beans
Diagnostic tools
Magnifying glass for examining pests and leaf structures.
Soil test kit to check pH and nutrient levels.
Reference images of diseases and pests.
Notes
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for selecting the correct control measures. Do not confuse nutrient deficiencies with diseases or pest infestations.
Phenology
Stages
- Germination: 7-14 days after sowing
- Vegetative phase: Until flowering
- Flowering: Begins approx. 4-8 weeks after sowing
- Pod development: After flowering
- Maturity: Approx. 90-150 days after sowing, depending on variety
Notes
The growing season varies greatly depending on the variety and climate. Early-maturing varieties are better suited for cooler regions.
Flowering pollination
The flowers are mostly white to purple and self-pollinating, but can also be visited by insects.
Harvest
Harvest takes place in autumn when the plants are dry and the beans are hard.
Harvest details
Harvest frequency
Single harvest at the end of the season when the beans are ripe.
Harvest indicators
- Yellowing and drying of leaves
- Dry, brittle pods
- Hard, non-flexible beans inside the pods
- Plants begin to shed their leaves
Post harvest handling
After harvesting, allow the pods to dry until they split open completely or the beans can be easily removed. The beans must be thoroughly dried to prevent storage losses.
Storage
Dried soybeans can be stored well.
Storage details
General storage category
Dry, cool, and dark
Storage life
With proper storage (dry, cool, airtight), they can last for several years.
Processing options
- Drying
- Pickling (after cooking)
- Fermenting (e.g., tempeh, miso)
- Grinding into flour
Processing use
Soybeans are extremely versatile and can be processed into a variety of products, including tofu, soy milk, soy sauce, tempeh, miso, and soybean oil. They are also used as animal feed.
Kitchen usage
Soybeans must be cooked or processed before consumption, as they contain toxic substances when raw. Cooked beans can be used in stews, salads, as a side dish, or as a base for vegetarian dishes. Edamame (young, immature soybeans) are a popular snack vegetable.
Safety and edibility
Edible parts
- Seeds (after processing/cooking)
Inedible or caution parts
- Raw seeds (contain trypsin inhibitors and other anti-nutrients)
Toxicity notes
Raw soybeans contain trypsin inhibitors, which can interfere with protein digestion, as well as other anti-nutrients. These are largely destroyed by cooking, roasting, or fermentation.
Raw consumption
Not recommended. Raw soybeans are difficult to digest and can be harmful to health.
Seed saving
Soybeans are self-pollinating, which simplifies seed purity. However, it is important to ensure varietal purity when working with hybrids or aiming to preserve a specific variety.
Seed saving advanced
Seed cleaning
After harvesting, separate the beans from pod debris and contaminants. Allow to dry thoroughly until moisture content is below 12%.
Seed storage
Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry, and dark place. Viability is maintained for 1-3 years.
Notes
To ensure varietal purity, seeds should be collected from at least 10-20 healthy plants. Watch for pest infestation during storage.
Woody crop details
Notes
Soybeans are annual herbaceous plants, not woody varieties. Therefore, details regarding woody varieties, rootstocks, pruning, and training systems are not applicable.
Ecology
Biodiversity notes
As a legume, the soybean contributes to nitrogen fixation and improves soil structure, which can indirectly promote soil biodiversity. However, it offers limited benefits to pollinators or other wildlife compared to native plants.
Practical notes
Soybeans require a long, warm growing season and are frost-sensitive. Sow only after the last frosts and when the soil has reached at least 10°C. Ensure adequate plant spacing for good air circulation. Regular, but not excessive, watering is important, especially during flowering and pod development. Avoid waterlogging. As a legume, soy needs little nitrogen but benefits from phosphorus and potassium. Harvest when pods are dry and beans are hard. Raw seeds are indigestible and must be cooked or processed.
Seasonal content
Spring
In spring, it's time to sow soybeans as soon as the soil is warm enough. Pay attention to the correct soil temperature and avoid frost.
Summer
In summer, care focuses on adequate watering, weed control, and monitoring for pests and diseases, especially during flowering and pod development.
Autumn
Autumn is harvest time for soybeans. Plants are harvested when the pods are dry and the beans are hard.
Winter
In winter, the soybean rests. Harvest can be processed and stored. The soil can be prepared for the next season.



